Dow Automotive Systems introduced its latest innovations and outlined plan to increase its local presence today, enhancing its position as the leading materials solution provider in automotive industry. Dow Automotive Systems innovations are focused on four key aspects in the industry, namely lightweight, safety, emission control, quality and appeal. “We truly believe those four areas are the key industry innovation areas and are ultimately driven by consumers’ appeal and the challenges the industry is facing. Our goal is to bring real value to our customers,” explained Steve Henderson, president of Dow Automotive Systems.

The innovations Dow introduced at this show include:

Lightweight Solutions: 2-component PU bonding system enables the connections among dissimilar materials therefore, improves the utilization of light weight materials such as Aluminum, composite etc. This technology has been commercialized in some major OEMs’ in Europe since 2009 and first launched in China in early 2011. In addition, from 2010 Dow also introduced epoxy & PU composites into Asia, used in both interior and exterior design to replace metal and other composite materials.

Safety: The BETAMATE™ FLEX structural adhesive was newly developed with balanced mechanical properties and improved flexibility to address the issue of thermo-distortion after curing for Aluminum or other light metal parts. Furthermore, BETAWIPE™ Hydro glass bonding system was presented BETAWIPE™ Hydro is the world’s first one-component, water-based activation technology for automotive direct glazing, with VOC-free performance. This technology can significantly improve the working environment in auto manufacturing workshop.

Quality & Appeal: AUTOTHANE™, high performance microcellular polyurethane system, offers OEM and tier 1 design engineers solutions to solve problems in suspension vibration control. In addition to Dow existing portfolio, a series of rubber to metal bonding systems - MEGUM™, THIXON™ and ROBOND™ bonding agents, are newly integrated and provided to meet the bonding requirements for elastomeric materials to metal, engineering plastics or other elastomers under a wide variety of conditions.

Besides the effort in R&D and innovations, Dow Automotive Systems is also investing to better serve the local customers’ needs in Asia. The company announced its new Polyolefin (PO) and elastomer plants being built in Thailand, which will be put into operation in 2011. Dow also enhanced its local R&D capabilities and technical support by adding more technical resources in this region and new state-of-art equipment. “Again, those steps are just part of our actions to customize our offering to better serve our Asian customers. You may have seen more and more local OEMs on our customer list. We will continuously adjust to bring local expertise as well as international experience to our customers,” added Steven Henderson.

About Dow Automotive Systems

Dow Automotive Systems is a leading global provider of technology-driven solutions that meet consumer demand for vehicles that are safer, stronger, quieter, lighter, cleaner, comfortable and stylish. The organization provides adhesives, glass bonding systems, sealants, emissions control technology, films, fluids and structural enhancement and acoustical management solutions to OEM, tier and aftermarket customers around the world. Visit us at www.dowautomotive.com or www.dowautomotive.cn.

About Dow

Dow combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2010, Dow had annual sales of $53.7 billion and employed approximately 50,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 188 sites in 35 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.